TDS Merchandising Question

[Luv2Roam]

Our TDS took inventory this week. The mgr said she has twice as much merchandise this year as last. And from other conversations with CM's, it seems there is always a lot of merchandise back stage also, in varous phases of unpacking/release.
I am wondering if holding merchandise for specific date release is common with TDS merchandise, besides pins. I know they do it occasionally with other items, such as the special Day after Thanksgiving beanie. Videos come to mind also. Anything else?
Just curious what the norm is.
TIA

 

[Dom13]

I know when I worked there, almost 4 years ago now, holiday, movie release tie-ins, beanies (they were at their peak back then), and some art work/collectables were held for specific release dates.

This was done so that all stores could release things at the same time. The merchandise would arrive any where from a week ahead of time to a month.

A couple of Christmases we had sold so much that we had to put stuff out before X-mas that was supposed to be for after. Made it difficult because the Dist. Center often shut down for a week-10 days after X-mas. Shelves got a little bare in January!!

 

[hopemax]

Also, if there is a promotion they will hold stuff back. For example, when they did the free mini-snowglobe with $25 purchase, the stores pulled all the mini-snowglobes from the floor. My Mom said that stores that didn't and sold them, got reprimanded by home base (since the sales showed up on their reports).

The Disney Store is planning another plush promotion, so stores are finding themselves sky high in plush again, and the Easter stuff was also showing up. Oh my Mom was not happy with inventory this year!